2013 Mazda MAZDA6 Sedan

2013 Mazda MAZDA6 Sedan

Benefits of Driving a 2013 Mazda MAZDA6 Sedan

Compared to other mid-size sedans, the Mazda6 has sportier, more overt styling, as well as a driving demeanor to match--with more of an emphasis on crisp steering and responsive handling and a more engaging experience altogether. V6 's' models provide surprisingly quick acceleration, while 4-cylinder Mazda6 'i' models are among the few in this class still offering a manual transmission. The Mazda6's interior is also a refreshing departure from the boilerplate look of so many of today's larger sedans, and rear seating space and trunk space won't let you down.

What's new for 2013?

For 2013, Mazda has discontinued the Mazda6 s Touring Plus trim, leaving only a single model (the s Grand Touring) for those who want the V6 engine. Four-cylinder Mazda6 i Touring Plus and i Grand Touring models also get larger 18-inch wheels.

Model Strengths

Sporty driving feel

responsive steering

passenger and cargo space

racy instrument-panel design

strong acceleration from the V6

Model Review

The sharp-looking family of Mazda6 mid-size sedans comes with a choice of two different engines, and even though these two engines give the car quite a different performance feel, they're both fun to drive. Mazda6 'I' models come with a 170-horsepower, 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox (base Sport models only) or a 5-speed automatic transmission. These models have adequate power with the automatic transmission, though driving enthusiasts will find more fun with the neat-shifting manual.

2013 Mazda MAZDA6 Sedan

2013 Mazda MAZDA6 Sedan

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.